Goals

In case you missed it this weekend, Xherdan Shaqiri scored a goal that most people would only try in the backyard. And in that sense, missing the ball is the most likely outcome. However, Shaqiri defied the odds to score a gorgeous goal. It had the announcers in shock, it had Poland in shock and it had every single viewer in absolute shock because of how epic it was. A late 1-0 Poland lead was diminished by this goal from Shaqiri in the 82nd minute which sent the game to extra time and eventually penalties.

As Sweden failed to find the back of the net for the 2nd straight game, their looming elimination became a reality in the 84th minute when Nainggolan packed their bags for them with a screamer. With many chances getting denied in their group stage run, the only goal they scored was actually an own goal by the Irish. It was a bummer to see such a legend like Zlatan go out without a win in his final major international tournament but Belgium made them pay. A beautiful moment of Zlatan playing his last game in yellow and blue is the end of an era. 

Big players come to play on the big stage. And that is sure what Messi did last Tuesday in case you missed it. After an early Argentina goal, it was Messi's turn in the 32nd minute to break American hearts and shatter their hopes of making the Copa America final on their home soil. The United States were sure excited to see Messi play in North America but were they expecteing a free kick of this difficulty and expertise. Of course they were, it's Messi, but what a treat it was to watch him play against the US.

"Cristiano can't score in big touraments." "He can't perform for his country on the big stage!" Well, all of the critics have been quieted for the mean time as Ronaldo wowed the crowd on Wednesay as he scored two great goals to help Portugal advance to the knockout rounds. After a tough first two games in Euro 2016, Ronaldo's moment finally came. In the 50th minute, a cross behind him was sent his way which he cleverly flicked with his heel that ended up beating the keeper far post tying the game at 2-2.

As Poland's stars failed to convert in Poland's match Tuesday, it was a substitute, Jakub Blaszczykowsk, that made the difference. Starting the 2nd half, it took Blaszczykowsk just 9 minutes to impact the game. Poland took a short corner that led to Milik picking out Jakub in the box where he eventually fired a left footed rip that was a top corner seeker. Poland advances to the knockout rounds as 2nd in the group behind Germany where they will face Switzerland. An exciting moment for the Polish as they eliminate Ukraine from the Euros and continue their run. 

Potentially one of the biggest roller coaster games to take place in the Euros so far, Spain v. Croatia was a thriller. A 1-1 deadlock would have been broken if Sergio Ramos would have been able to convert from the spot but failed to do so as Danijel Subasic made a strong save to keep Croatia alive. Momentum shifts were evident throughout the game but in the end it was Croatia with the higher inensity and energy that won them the game and Group D.

5th tier Swedish Player, Jesper Hellengren took his chances from about 40 yards out and ended up hitting a beauty that sailed into the corner past the outstretched goalie. A kind of goal that we all dream about came true for this man. What a hit, couldn't have been struck any better. Cheers! Similar to Van Bronckhorst's hit in the 2010 World Cup eh?? Who did it better?

Lionel Messi does it again for Argentina. His glory run at these Copa America games continued on Saturday night as he played a beautiful ball to set up Higuain for Argentina's first goal of the night. What a ball and what a finish by Higuain who has been brilliant. As soon as Messi stepped on the field in Argentina's third group play match, the level of play ramped up. The now 'scruffy' veteran has time and time again shown people why he is one of the greatest with his recent performances.

Alexis Sanchez unleashed a vicious strike in the 50th minute to double Chile's lead over Panama in the Copa Americas. An absolute perfect hit to say the least that left the goalkeeper or any aspect of human life no chance at reacting that fast. Worth a few watches and a note to watch Chile's next game because you never know when Alexis will do it again. Well done son. Have a day!